Chewuch Campground
05 reviewsChewuch Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$20/night for single sites. Additional vehicle charge: $10/night. Digital payment only through the recreation.gov app. 50% discount for single site camping with Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Okanogan wilderness, Chewuch Campground offers an intimate escape where the gentle murmur of the Chewuch River provides a natural soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. This hidden gem features thoughtfully designed dual sections catering to both RV enthusiasts and traditional tent campers who seek a more rustic experience. The tent camping area shines as the true star, with generously spaced sites tucked beneath towering Ponderosa pines. Sites 6 and 8 are particularly coveted, offering direct access to a pristine sandy beach where the crystal-clear river invites morning coffee contemplation or afternoon wading. Modern vault toilets and fresh potable water ensure comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness atmosphere.
Chewuch Campground offers tent and combination sites suitable for RVs and tents. The campground is divided into two sections: one for RVs and another closer to the river for tents. It does not support primitive camping, glamping, or equestrian camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile specific historical records remain elusive, this tranquil riverside setting whispers stories of generations who have found solace along the Chewuch River's banks, from indigenous peoples to modern adventurers seeking connection with the timeless rhythms of the forest.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through October, Chewuch Campground transforms with the seasons, offering visitors a dynamic mountain experience. Spring arrivals might witness nature's dramatic mood swings, from surprise snowflakes dancing through pine boughs to sudden bursts of warm sunshine that coax wildflowers from the forest floor. Summer brings those perfect camping days with comfortable temperatures ideal for river play and stargazing. Early fall visitors are rewarded with crisp mornings that give way to golden afternoons, though wise campers always pack layers for those unpredictable mountain weather shifts.
ElevationPerched at 2,300 feet above sea level, the campground occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly crisp without the harsh extremes of higher elevations, creating an ideal climate for comfortable camping throughout the season.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral of majestic Ponderosa pines, where shafts of sunlight filter through cinnamon-colored bark and vanilla-scented branches. The understory remains refreshingly open, carpeted with native grasses and seasonal wildflowers that paint splashes of color across the forest floor. This natural parkland setting creates an atmosphere of spacious tranquility, where each campsite feels like its own private woodland retreat.
Geological RegionChewuch Campground claims its place within the vast tapestry of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where ancient Ponderosa pine forests thrive along the life-giving waters of the Chewuch River. This remarkable ecosystem represents the eastern Cascades' unique character, where drier conditions create open, park-like forests dramatically different from the dense rainforests found on the range's western slopes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe presence of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets suggests some level of accessibility.
Sites SizeSites accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyThere is minimal understory and no middlestory vegetation, leading to limited privacy. However, the spacious layout of sites compensates for the lack of natural barriers.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites 6 and 8 for privacy and river access.
Best CampsitesSites 6 and 8 are highly recommended for their proximity to the river and sandy beach.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 2 tents or 1 RV and 1 tent per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has two sections: one designated for recreational vehicles and another for tent campers. Tent sites are spacious and closest to the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from mid-May through October 31.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; campsites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Chewuch Campground offers outdoor activities such as fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. Fishing opportunities include catching rainbow trout in the Chewuch River. The area is also known for its road biking routes, and the surrounding ponderosa pine forest provides a serene environment for wildlife observation. Swimming and other water sports are not supported due to the fast current of the river. Hunting is also noted as a recreational activity.
Fishing
The river supports fishing, with rainbow trout mentioned as a catch. One user mentioned, "The river was right at our campsite and we enjoyed a dip," indicating easy access to fishing areas.Biking
The campground provides access to popular road biking routes on West and East Chewuch Roads.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted by sightings of moose, deer, and chipmunks. One reviewer stated, "We saw a moose and plenty of deer and chipmunks."Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsFast-moving river unsuitable for swimming but may allow tubing. Presence of wildlife, including bears, requires caution.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 12%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are provided on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the Chewuch River, which is fast-moving and unsuitable for swimming.
Common complaintsnull
HostUser reviews praise campground hosts Rob and Sharon as 'the best' and welcoming 'like family.'
Campground Map
Driving directionsDrive north on West Chewuch Road (county road 1213) and onto paved forest road #51 for 15 miles to Chewuch Campground on the Chewuch River.
The campground is accessible via paved forest roads; no seasonal closures or challenging terrain are mentioned.Nearby places
Winthrop (15 miles)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Chewuch Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the campground for its quietness, cleanliness, and scenic location along the Chewuch River. Many users have been repeat visitors over decades, emphasizing its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights from user reviews include praise for the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the relaxing environment, and the scenic beauty of the river and surrounding forest. One user mentioned, "The...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users expressed concerns about limited privacy due to minimal understory vegetation. Cell phone service was also noted as a limitation, with Verizon being non-functional and AT&T offering...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend downloading the recreation.gov mobile app in advance for payment. They also suggest practicing bear-safe food storage techniques as the campground is located in bear country.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is generally favored during its open season from mid-May through October. Fall reviews mention the quietness and absence of bugs, while summer reviews highlight accessible wildlife...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"My family and I have been camping along the Chewuch river for up to 40 years. It's quiet and very relaxing." "The bathrooms were very clean and well stocked." "We saw a moose and plenty of deer and...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 6 and 8 are highlighted for their proximity to the river and small sandy beaches. Site 13 was mentioned for its quietness and the ability to use Starlink despite the presence of surrounding...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews were found, but the presence of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets indicates some consideration for accessibility.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025